Jekyll Island, Georgia Short-Term Rental Market
Jekyll Island's Golden Isles market averaged $339 a night, 44.5% occupancy and $4,550 monthly revenue in August 2026.
Quick Answer: Jekyll Island, Georgia is an active short-term rental market. average occupancy in the Amelia/St. Simons/Jekyll Islands market area is 49%. average monthly revenue in the Amelia/St. Simons/Jekyll Islands market area is $4,264. average daily rate in the Amelia/St. Simons/Jekyll Islands market area is $322. the top operator in the Amelia/St. Simons/Jekyll Islands market area is Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals with 349 listings. market score is 55/100 (grade D).
Market data reflects the Amelia/St. Simons/Jekyll Islands regional market, which includes Jekyll Island. Regulations, taxes, and permit details below are specific to Jekyll Island.
Market Score Breakdown
Five dimensions StaySTRA evaluates per market.
Market Overview
Jekyll Island is a state-owned barrier island with 769 residents and an estimated 3 million visitors a year. Its short-term rental performance data is tracked at a shared level with Brunswick and Saint Simons Island, so the figures here describe the Golden Isles area STR market, not Jekyll Island alone. In August 2026 the Golden Isles area averaged $339 per night at 44.5% occupancy. Average monthly revenue was $4,550. Against August 2025, occupancy fell 3.8%, ADR rose 1.7%, and revenue fell 1.6%. Over the full 2025 calendar year the area averaged 54.4% occupancy, a $330 ADR, and $4,899 in monthly revenue. Listing counts, listing-type mix, and bedroom mix are tracked at a shared regional level rather than uniquely for Jekyll Island, so this profile omits them. Average length of stay is 4.7 nights, which fits a destination that draws beachgoers, golfers, and visitors to the historic district and Georgia Sea Turtle Center. The island has 10 miles of beaches, four golf courses, and a 250-acre Historic Landmark District. Annual averages have risen since 2023, when the area averaged $296 ADR and $4,507 in monthly revenue.
Seasonal Patterns
| Month | Occupancy |
|---|---|
| Jan | 40% |
| Feb | 63% |
| Mar | 68% |
| Apr | 59% |
| May | 57% |
| Jun | 73% |
| Jul | 73% |
| Aug | 48% |
| Sep | 47% |
| Oct | 51% |
| Nov | 40% |
| Dec | 36% |
Month-by-month nightly rates and revenue figures for Jekyll Island are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Top Short-Term Rental Operators in Amelia/St. Simons/Jekyll Islands market area
Ranked by total active listings. Useful for understanding the competitive landscape. Operator data is published for the Amelia/St. Simons/Jekyll Islands market as a whole, which includes Jekyll Island, so these counts are not Jekyll Island-only figures.
| # | Operator | Listings | Reviews | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hodnett Cooper Vacation Rentals | 349 | 6,784 | ★ 4.72 |
| 2 | Vacasa | 292 | 9,241 | ★ 4.56 |
| 3 | RedAwning | 236 | 4,646 | ★ 4.46 |
| 4 | Lighthouse Vacations | 187 | 8,334 | ★ 4.86 |
| 5 | Real Escapes | 184 | 6,523 | ★ 4.68 |
What Kind of STR Should I Buy in Jekyll Island?
Revenue and nightly-rate breakdowns by bedroom count, property tier, and dwelling type for Jekyll Island are available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Booking Channel Mix
Distribution of bookings across major STR platforms.
| Channel | Share |
|---|---|
| airbnb | 18.3% |
| vrbo | 16.9% |
| both | 64.8% |
Booking Insights
Booking-window and length-of-stay analysis for Jekyll Island — how far ahead guests book and how to price around it — is available to StaySTRA Pro members. Unlock with StaySTRA Pro or analyze a specific address free.
Short-Term Rental Regulations
Short-term rentals are permitted on Jekyll Island, but only with a rental license from the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA). The license costs $75 and renews annually. The property must pass an inspection before the JIA issues the license. Licenses are property-specific and non-transferable, so a new buyer must apply for a new license. Some areas are designated residential-only, and overnight rentals are not allowed there. Owners pay the JIA a percentage rent equal to 3% of gross rental revenue, remitted monthly. The occupancy tax is about 5% of gross rental receipts. Georgia adds 7% state sales tax and a $5 per night state hotel-motel fee, and Airbnb and VRBO typically collect those. Glynn County raised its hotel-motel tax to 7% effective July 1, 2025, but Jekyll Island is reported to be exempt. There is no published cap on rental nights and no owner-occupancy or primary-residence requirement. Occupancy limits depend on property size and bedroom count. Enforcement is progressive, from warnings and fines to suspension and revocation. The JIA raised the license fee from $30 to $75 in 2023. Confirm current rules with the JIA before you buy.
Market Comparison
The Golden Isles area earns more per night than the national norm but fills fewer nights in the latest month. The US STR median is roughly 55% occupancy and $220 ADR. The area’s 2025 average was 54.4% occupancy, in line with that benchmark. Its 2025 ADR of $330 ran about 50% above $220. In August 2026 occupancy was 44.5%, about 10 points below the national figure, while ADR of $339 was 54% higher. The area relies on summer strength to reach the national occupancy level. July and June both exceed 72%, and December falls to 36.2%. Top property managers and listing totals are tracked at a shared regional level rather than uniquely for Jekyll Island, so this profile omits them. Revenue growth has been steady since 2023, with the monthly average rising from $4,507 to $4,899 by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jekyll Island, Georgia
What is the average Airbnb rate near Jekyll Island?
What is the occupancy rate for Jekyll Island short-term rentals?
How much do vacation rentals earn per month on Jekyll Island?
Do you need a license to rent short-term on Jekyll Island?
What taxes and fees apply to Jekyll Island rentals?
When is the best time to rent out a property on Jekyll Island?
How far ahead do guests book and how long do they stay?
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